DOCTOR Who has officially regenerated into their 13th incarnation during the Christmas Special – and fans are delighted.
Peter Capaldi bowed out in style today by joining forces with the first ever Doctor to save the life of an Army Captain – and the world in general once again.
The festive episode, titled Twice Upon a Time, saw the Doctors collide at the South Pole and heading off on one final adventure.
It didn’t take too long for the pair to get off on the wrong foot, with the changing times of the Doctor confusing both of them due to the generation gap.
However, as the pair started squabbling over the state of the TARDIS and what they looked like now, the TARDIS was dragged to the Chamber of the Dead.
There, the Doctors were reunited with Bill Potts – played by Pearl Mackie – or at least, an imitation of her.
Recognising the ruse immediately, an angry 12th declared: “Bill Potts, my friend Bill Potts, was turned into a cyberman. She gave her life so the people she barely knew can live.”
It was there they met Testimony – a group of beings from the distant future who take people from the brink of death and get what they need from them before returning them for their final moments.
The First is then shocked to discover that he has become known as the Doctor of War – and even more shocked to know that the feisty Bill has had “relations with the fairer sex”.
Twelve then tries to recruit the help of Rusty the “good” Dalek – playing on the machines need to destroy its counterparts in any way necessary.
However, as the First becomes used to Bill, both discover the truth – that a new science allowed people to have their memories duplicated before returning to the point of death.
As a result, Bill is one of Testimony – a creation made up of the real Bill’s memories before they die.
“It’s not an evil plan! I don’t know what to do when it isn’t an evil plan,” declares an exasperated Doctor.
Returning the Captain to his moment of death, the Doctor gave one last Christmas gift and fans were left in tears as they witnessed the Doctor recreate the 1914 Armistice.
He then wished his new pals farewell as he decided to die alone in the galaxy.
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In an emotional goodbye, the Doctor said his farewells to his companions including Bill Potts and a surprise return from Clara, telling them: “Thank you both, for everything that you were to me. Whatever happens now, it has to be alone.”
However, as he sits in his TARDIS he declared that “one more lifetime won’t kill him” and makes the switch.
As he prepares for the regeneration, the Doctor told his new self: “Never be cruel, never be cowardly, and never ever eat pears!
“Remember, hate is always foolish, and love is always wise.
“Laugh hard. Run fast. Be kind. Doctor, I let you go!”
After the powerful regneration, the Doctor realises they’ve been changed into a woman – and in a moment of calm Jodie mutters her first words as the Doctor: “Oh, Brilliant!”
Viewers of the show were delighted with the all too brief but action-packed moment for Jodie, and welcomed the star with open arms as she started her stint on the show.
One wrote: “Watching Peter Capaldi regenerate into Jodie Whittaker was exciting. Can’t wait to see her in action #DoctorWho”
Another added: “Right before every regeneration I have a moment of worry as to how they’ll handle it, but Jodie’s introduction was perfect and can’t wait for the next season. She’s going to be brilliant”
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A fourth also welcomed her with open arms and said: “I’m sold now that the #13thDoctor has officially been introduced to us Whovians !!! 
A massive welcome to Jodie Whittaker to #DoctorWho
”
But it isn’t an easy switch for the star as – despite being chuffed with the regeneration – she is immediately thrown from the TARDIS as it bursts into flames.
Never a dull moment for a Doctor.
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